Extra readers' letters, Sept. 16, 2012

Saturday

Sep 15, 2012 at 12:01 AMSep 15, 2012 at 1:02 AM

Ray: I saw that a lot was made of Braxton Miller's 27 carries last week. I didn't watch the Central Florida game but I have a few observations after looking at the stats: Dunn averaged 5.8 yards a pop on five carries, Hyde 3.9 on seven.

Ray Stein, The Columbus Dispatch

Ray: I saw that a lot was made of Braxton Miller’s 27 carries last week. I didn’t watch the Central Florida game but I have a few observations after looking at the stats: Dunn averaged 5.8 yards a pop on five carries, Hyde 3.9 on seven.

Strictly speaking from the statistical viewpoint, in order to get more production from the running back position doesn’t there need to be more than 12 combined carries? At 5.8 yards per carry, what was the problem with giving Dunn the ball more?

The fault with Miller carrying 27 times (if you can call your best player getting the ball that many times) lies with whoever called the plays or Miller’s unwillingness to give the ball to the RBs on those spread option plays. What it It shows is a total lack of confidence in the RBs. on the roster. who are available to play by either Meyer or Miller or both.

I’ve developed a lot of management people in my time and have operated under the principle that if you want someone to act responsibly, you need to give them some responsibility at some point. Maybe Miller needs to leave the ball in the belly of the RB a little more — or maybe he likes the limelight a little too much to do so?

A question for minds far greater than mine!

— Tony Federer, Columbus

Editor: Poem for Art: Modell rot in hell!

— Steve Vargo, Columbus

Ray: Just wondering if anyone else noticed the poor ESPN2 coverage of the OSU-Central Florida game. There were at least half a dozen “return to live action” plays which were started after the ball snap, showing only the play in progress. It allowed for no chance to see the offensive or defensive lineups before the play.

I found this particularly annoying, as they loaded the coverage with commercials, inane statistics, interviews, etc. Additionally, we were not shown replays of some of the controversial referee calls, including one pass reception that had been challenged for review, by UCF.

Seems to me like there is way too much garbage cluttering up TV coverage, at the expense of showing the actual flow of the game.

— Paul Griesse, Granville

Editor: Why did you use “went down” instead of more accurate words “happened” or “occurred” (First-quarter OSU analysis, last Sunday)? Has some abstract change in the gravitational pull of the earth now caused events (i.e. a game) to a change altitude?

Or, is this some way of indicating that you’re too “cool” to use appropriate, accurate and informative verbs to communicate with an audience comprising a broad range of ages? In short, this looks more like an attempt to impress than inform.

— George Wood, Kansas City, Mo.

Ray: As a longtime Columbus sports supporter (a season-ticket holder to the Blue Jackets, Crew and Clippers) I have had the opportunity to compare how the franchises run their organizations and their facilities.

Of the three professional sports teams, the Crew (and Crew Stadium) is the worst run organization. I have a host of examples but I will illustrate one of the most ridiculous. My wife, son and I attended the U.S. national team practice expecting a festive atmosphere with a welcoming crowd, music, games, lessons for youth teams and their coaches, etc.

What we discovered was a locked-down, invasive, no-fun atmosphere. First, the line to get into Crew Stadium was lengthy (not enough help) but then to really make it unfriendly, they were searching bags and purses for contraband. What was collected? A large pile of energy bars, candy bars and Rice Krispie Treats was piling up by the entrance.

Did I mention that this was a practice? The horror! I can only assume that these energy bars and treats are a real threat to the Crew’s budget. I can somewhat understand limiting the amount of food that comes in but no one matches the Crew organization in being fan unfriendly.

In comparison, the Columbus Clippers allow coolers and bottled water. As a season-ticket holder, I can attest the concessions are not hurting. The Clippers put fans first.

The Crew practices this same locked-down policy at their home games as well. I think it would serve the organization well to be a little more fan friendly.

— Scott Potter, Marion

Ray: Hey, thought you may want to hear that ESPN copied your “Herculean Effort” headline on their mobile page (Wednesday). Or ... did you ... No, you wouldn’t do that!

— Mike Killian, via email

Editor: I am a junior at Westerville North High School. There are a few different stories in which are ongoing that are deserving of some publicity. Westerville North High School lost its 38th consecutive Football game on Friday, Sept. 7.

However, our student fan base is bigger than ever. As a student body, we are supporting a football team with heart, dedication and passion. The players play their hearts out and we students, parents and staff have been there to support them in their pursuit of a win in three years. In the process, we became a family and created a sense of togetherness throughout our school and community.

— Jordan Hicks, Westerville

Editor: American football, like the U.S. military, has its own rules and regulations which differ from the guidelines of normal civilian life. Football and the military even have some commands in common: Hit them hard. Put on the helmet. Go into battle. This is war! (Woody Hayes). Be tough. Go fight. Blast them out of there. Throw the bomb.

So, what is American football? It depends on whom you ask. For some it is a ritual — no matter what. Examples from The Dispatch include “It’s War in the 614” (high-school football photo, Aug. 31) and “Out of the Navy, onto the field” (Sept. 8).

For others it is a modern version of gladiators fighting in the ancient Roman Coliseum. For central Ohioans needing a diversion from whatever, it is Saturday afternoon entertainment in Ohio Stadium. It is a mild form of semi-controlled warfare. It is, of course, a huge money-maker for OSU via the coffers in the athletic department.

OSU’s administration hired Urban Meyer to keep the university football machine rolling. That huge machine obviously does not bother with upholding human rights, women’s rights or coming to the aid of a battered woman. It’s a war machine bent on running over anyone it wants.

Football has a clear message: “Keep the war going,” even on the football field, because it makes lots of money for some institutions, corporations and individuals and it shows the world just how tough we are.

— Fred Suter, Westerville

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.